Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Today we're celebrating award-winning author Desiree Holt's birthday and today's Ellora's Cave Breathless release of ESCAPE THE NIGHT, a sexy romantic suspense that will heat up your last day of June!

All her life, Desiree dreamed of faraway places and unbelievably sexy men. From baseball players to rock musicians to television personalities she met them all and each one enriched her life. Now tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, she shares her fantasies with her readers. In her satin robe, with her scented candle burning and a chilled glass of wine at hand, she lets her mind run wild — and hopes you’ll take the journey with her. When she’s not writing, she reads and indulges in her other passion — watching football.

When Anya Kane escaped the darkness Virgil Branson was selling her into, she sought help from her boss, Gus D'Amato, a hot and hunky FBI agent. Six months later she is out of his office and in his bed, enjoying the most erotic sex imaginable and forging a bond with the man who makes every muscle in her body quiver. But things go dramatically wrong and between bouts of thermonuclear sex that set them both on fire Gus has to find a safe place for them both.

WIN - Leave Desiree a comment or question today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a signed copy of Desiree's COCKED ON LOADED, a pen, and a Desire mug. Wish Desiree a happy birthday, and your name goes in the hat for a signed copy of Do You Trust Me which is up for a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. And because it's Desiree's birthday, one more poster today will be drawn to win a download of RODEO HEAT, winner of two CAPA Awards and also a Holt medallion Award of merit. PLEASE leave your email address so we can contact you if you are one of today's winners!

Wow - what a great party!!! Thanks to all who stopped by to celebrate with Lori yesterday...she was thrilled! Congrats to stacey - your name was drawn out of the hat (er..bowl, really) to win the two books from Lori's backlist autographed by Lori herself!!! Thanks for leaving your email address, we'll contact you shortly for your mailing address.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Today we're celebrating the release of UNBELIEVABLE, a repackage of two Lori Foster classic reader favorites FANTASY and TANTALIZING!

FANTASY

SOLD! Sexy security consultant Sebastian Sinclair brought a princely sum at auction. And for the next five days he was going to be a boy toy for some rich woman. At least it was going for a worthy cause... and the woman WAS intriguing...

SOLD OUT! The LAST thing Brandi Sommers wanted was to fly off to a lover's retreat with some gorgeous mountain of a man. But Sebastian was an outrageously expensive birthday present from her dear, meddling sister, and she couldn't very well return him. Besides, SHE would be in control at all times... she thought.

TANTALIZING

Josie Jackson's sister arranges a blind date for her with Bob Morrison. Both dreaded the blind date; he expected a stuffy, matronly prude while Josie assumed that Bob would be another boring, nerdy man just as all of her sister's other fix-ups had been. Josie decides to scare off her geeky match with a red-hot outfit, hair and make up, never dreaming that her date would be a gorgeous specimen of a man capable of showing her just how sensuous she is.

The only problem is that Bob isn't Bob at all; he's Bob's business partner Nick Harris. Nick agreed to stand in for Bob because Bob is crazy about Josie's sister, Susan and doesn't want to date anyone else. Nick allows Josie to believe that he is Bob, thinking that he would continue to see her just a while longer, and then he was unwilling to stop the exquisite pleasure he has found in helping Josie lose her inhibitions. But when pleasure turns into something much deeper and Nick still hasn't told Josie the truth, he fears what her reaction will be at being deceived.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate Lexxie's new release SPACEPORT: R&R with her yesterday! Congrats to JoanneR! Your name was drawn but you didn't leave your email address...SO PLEASE CONTACT ME by the end of the week at AuthorIsland at yahoo.com with your email address and which of the first three SPACEPORT books you'd like to have.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Lexxie's not a deviant. She just has a deviant's imagination and a desire to entertain readers with her words. Add the two together and you get darkly erotic romances with a twist of horror, sci-fi and the paranormal.

When she's not submerged in the worlds she creates, Lexxie's life revolves around her family, a husband who thinks she's insane, a pony-sized mutt who thinks he's a lapdog, two yabbies hell-bent on destroying their tank and her daughters, who both utterly captured her heart and changed her life forever.

Forced to take a leave of absence by her commander, Allied Planet Enforcer Anika Dru high-tails it straight away to Spaceport Adana. What better destination for some unwanted R and R than a veritable cesspit of scum-bucket crooks? Especially for a tech-enhanced super cop who likes nothing more than taking out the bad guys...

Five minutes on 'Port Adana and she's already spotted her first target -- until a gorgeous half naked slave catches her eye. And makes her tech zing. Determined to discover what about the man makes her so... charged... she follows him to an empty sex den, ready to play super cop one-on-one.

But Kaden Irrado isn't a slave, and his meeting with Anika isn't by chance. Kaden is Phase, a multi-dimensional warrior capable of drawing all of his possible selves into the one temporal plane. He has to stop Anika from doing something that will destroy the space-time continuum and he's planning to do it in the most pleasurable way possible. Even if it takes more than one of him.

WIN - Leave a comment or question for Lexxie today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a download of your choice from the first three Spaceport books. Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate Lorelei's new print release of SHOULDA BEEN A COWBOY with her! Congrats to Aliens! You're name was drawn to win a download of your choice from her available Rough Riders Series? Thanks for leaving your email address, we'll contact you to find out which book from her series you'd like - so be sure to pop over to Lorelei's Site and check it out!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Today we're celebrating the print release of the seventh book in Lorelei James' Rough Riders Series.When she's not squirreled away behind her laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, Lorelei can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until she's a pretzel, shootin' her .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid's taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin' up vittles.

Why does she have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, she's a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives her a unique perspective, especially since she's not writing historical westerns. Through her fictional world, she can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

She also write a dark, gritty mystery series under the name Lori Armstrong and her novel Snow Blind just won the 2009 Shamus Award from the Private Eye Writers of America for Best Paperback Original! Check it out at http://www.loriarmstrong.com/

Soldier Cameron McKay has found his niche, and it ain't ropin' steers and wearin' spurs. His deputy sheriff job, plus battle injuries that ended his military career, keep him right where he wants to be: Off the ranch and away from his family's pity. His darkest war memories are on lockdown, leaving him skeptical he'll ever find a woman who wants a man who's less than whole.

Domini Katzinski has had to control every aspect of her life since age eleven, when she was orphaned in the Ukraine. Watching others' relationships crumble has convinced her to focus on the short-term and find a take-charge man to whom she can relinquish total sexual control. Cam fits the bill: gorgeous, with a brooding vulnerability no one else seems to see. Plus, he has his own handcuffs.

Once Cam gets over his surprise that sweet, shy Domini wants to be dominated, he is back to issuing orders. Their passion is as hot as a rocket-propelled grenade - and if Domini has her way, it's a one-shot deal. Cam wants more, and launches a full-out sensual assault...until tragedy strikes, forcing him to change tactics as he tries to keep past demons from blowing their future together all to hell...

Warning: this book contains down and dirty games of good cop/bad cop, salty language, sweet 'n hot lovin', menage a trois, and hooah! a hero packin' serious heat.

WIN - Leave Lorelei a question or comment today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a free download of your choice from her Rough Riders Series. Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Thanks to all those who stopped by to celebrate Jacquelyn's latest release with us! Congrats to Virginia C - you win some Sweet Dreams Tea and a beautiful mug - so hopefully the Sandman will visit you! Thanks for leaving your email address, we'll contact you soon for your mailing address.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Today we're celebrating Jacquelyn Frank's latest release STEALING KATHRYN, the second book in her The Gatherers Series.

A native New Yorker, currently living in North Carolina, Jacquelyn Frank loves animals, specifically cats, to a point of insanity. She loves her boys like she would honest to goodness children.

This NYT and USA today bestselling author of The Nightwalkers Series wanted to be an author since she was barely into puberty. It was those sexy teen romances where the first kiss was as far as they went. Heh. She thought that was the be all and end all until she got her hands on an introductory copy for a new series launching called Loveswept and got her first taste of sizzle. She's been writing it and gobbling it up ever since!

Although she's branching out from the Nightwalkers, not to fear, they will always be a part of her. It's simply a matter of where the muse is taking her.

New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank invites you to explore a strange and sensuous world of darkest desire ruled by an extraordinary being who is about to meet his earthly match. . .

Sandman. Angus. Morpheus. He is known by many names, except his true one, Adrian. When he departs his world, it is to enter the sacred space of sleep, and he is not there to sow sweet dreams. Adrian's mission is to reap the dark energy of nightmares, work that has twisted his soul as well as his once-handsome face. Now, he lives only to await the day darkness finally overcomes him. . .and to collect exquisite reminders of what he's lost. . .

But there is one treasure that stands apart. Having risked everything to obtain her, Adrian soon realizes his mistake. For Kathryn has a wholly unexpected power over him, not only for what she represents, but for what for she is: a soul with desires as strong as his own, tempered by compassion that could save Adrian from his self-made hell--or condemn them both. . .

WIN - Leave Jacquelyn a comment or question today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for some Sweet Dreams tea and a beautiful mug. Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate with Marion! Congrats to Mary (Mizti_Rose) you won the crystal skull and the free download of Marion's book CRYSTAL SKULLS - have fun with it! Thanks for leaving your email address, Marion will contact you shortly.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Marion has held a keen interest in Women's Spirituality, Crystal Therapy and the Celestial Hierarchy for the past twenty-four years. She is a graduate member and former tutor of the International College of Crystal Healing, a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner and a Reiki Master. Marion is also an experienced teacher/lecturer in both the UK and USA. Having lived and worked in the US for many years, she presently resides in South East England with her American husband.

To date, Marion has written five non-fiction books and two novels. Her previous writings focus on the Bach Flower Remedies, the angelic realms, spirit guides and the fascinating subject of crystals and crystal skulls. Marion describes herself as a people watcher and a writerholic. The duality that exists within each person fascinates this author and she uses her many years of working and communicating with people as a blueprint for 'fleshing out' the characters in her novels.

Some of Marion's literary work has been featured in books by Diane Stein - All Women Are Psychics, Prophetic Visions of the Future, Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats and The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs & Cats. Also in Dick Sutphen's Finding Your Answers Within. Her own books have been available since 2001 and she loves to hear from her readers.

Marion Webb-De Sisto's book about crystal skulls is also now available on Kindle. It takes a ground-breaking look at the impact contemporary crystal skulls are having on people who choose to collect and work with these mineral carvings. Details are given about some of the healings, spiritual awakenings and life-changing encounters the author and others have experienced while in their presence. These are not the ancient artifacts found in excavations of tombs and burial sites, but they are proving to be extremely intriguing. And, just like Indiana Jones, you can explore their world. This popular non-fiction volume is frequently placed in the top 100 of both the US and UK Amazon's Category Sales Ranks for books about Crystals.

BUY IN KINDLE *** BUY IN PRINT *** READ THE EXCERPT
WIN - Leave a comment or question for Marion today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat to win a small crystal skull and a PDF eBook version of the book. Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate the release of THE ALPHA with Annie yesterday! And super congrats to elaing8 - you get to try to first book in the series THE OMEGAS for free! I know you'll enjoy it and thanks for leaving your email address so Annie can get you out your prize!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Today we're celebrating the release of THE ALPHA, book two in Annie Nicholas' The Vanguards Series.Annie Nicholas hibernates in the rural, green mountains of Vermont, where she dreams of different worlds, heroes, and heroines. When spring arrives the stories pour from her, in hopes to share them with the masses one day.

Mother, daughter, wife are some of the hats she happily wears while trudging after her cubs through the hills and dales. The four seasons an inspiration and muse.

Someone is about to get some Spice in his life. Spice has nothing but the clothes on her back when she returns to Chicago. She's looking for a better life, and that means reuniting with her estranged twin sister, Sugar. She isn't thrilled to find out Sugar's boyfriend is a vampire. But then she meets Eric, once the bottle-cap-glasses wearing nerd next door - now grown into the kind of man she'd love to snuggle with on this cold winter night...and he's offered her his room in Sugar's house.

Eric can't believe Spice has returned. He'd given up hope of ever seeing her again, let alone having her stare at him as if he's sex on a stick. But now that all of his fantasies for them are coming true, reality rears her ugly head and Eric must tell Spice his intimate secret; he's actually an Alpha werewolf looking for his mate and he thinks he's found her.

WIN - Leave Annie a question or comment today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a free download of book one in her The Vanguards Series, THE OMEGAS. Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Today we celebrate the digital and print re-release of Pauline Baird Jones' EPPIE award-winning novel OUT OF TIME, which is now available in Kindle for the first time.Pauline is the award-winning author of eight novels of action-adventure, suspense, romantic suspense and comedy-mystery. She's also written two non-fiction books, ADAPTING YOUR NOVEL FOR FILM and MADE-UP MAYHEM which released August 2008. Her seventh novel, OUT OF TIME, an action-adventure romance set in World War II, is a 2007 EPPIE winner in the single title/mainstream category. Her eighth novel, THE KEY, released from LL Dreamspell, is the Dream Realm Awards winner in its category and won a bronze medal in the Independent Publisher awards.

Originally from Wyoming , Pauline and her family moved from New Orleans to Texas before Katrina.

What happens when a twenty-first century woman on a mission to change the past meets a thoroughly 1940s man trying to stay alive in the hellish skies over war-torn Europe? Melanie "Mel" Morton is an adventure reporter, who lost her grandfather in World War II. With no family left, she's all about doing her job and finishing her grandfather's biography.

Enter Jack Hamilton, sexy octogenarian, genius/scientist and former WWII bomber pilot. What he tells Mel sends her on her craziest adventure yet - straight into the past to save her grandfather's life - and change Jack's future, if she doesn't accidentally end it.

All Mel has to do is outmaneuver the entire German army--and not fall in love with Jack. Unfortunately, eluding the German army is the easy part in this exciting romantic adventure and EPPIE award winner by Pauline Baird Jones.

WIN - Leave Pauline a question or comment today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a free download or print copy of A Ghostly Dreamspell Anthology featuring a story by Pauline. Please be sure to leave your email address, so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to celebrate the release of Allie Standifer and Desiree Holt's new release SCORCHED!! And congrats to Jen, you're name was drawn to win a free download of another Allie and Desiree release KIDNAPPING THE GROOM! Thanks for leaving your email address, so Desiree can get you out your prize.

Friday, June 18, 2010

All her life Desiree Holt dreamed of faraway places and unbelievably sexy men. From baseball players to rock musicians to television personalities she met them all and each one enriched her life. Now tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, she shares her fantasies with her readers. In her satin robe, with her scented candle burning and a chilled glass of wine at hand, she lets her mind run wild — and hopes you’ll take the journey with her. When she’s not writing, she reads and indulges in her other passion — watching football.

Allie Standifer lived in various countries around the world. The gift of travel has enabled her to accurately describe the scent, feel of far-off places and feed her overactive imagination.Her life has been one of constant adventure ever since. From growing up in Saudi Arabia where her brother tried to sell her to Bedouins (for what amounts to less than $1.50), it's been non stop. And she loves every minute of it.

Ideas, plots, characters and conversations keep her company from inside her head and fuel her need to write. And no, they don't tell her to start fires. =) Tired of everyday stories, Allie's tales have a decidedly paranormal twist to them. They're filled with past lives, chain e-mail sending oracles, mythical creatures, magic, sexy gods, and heroines who know exactly what they want and aren't afraid to get it.

When not writing, Allie enjoys anything to do with the ocean, reading, trying to outsmart her psycho cat and spending time with her wonderful and supportive family.

Kasey Jacobs spends her days as a bookkeeper for a discount furniture store and her nights writing erotic romances, still waiting to meet the man who could ring her chimes. Maybe her new neighbor, Skyler Brody... Too bad she hasn't seen him since the day he moved in.

Then Skyler, a cop recuperating from a gunshot wound, spies Kasey pleasuring herself in front of an open window and nearly trips over his tongue rushing to introduce himself. The sex is instantaneous and hot, with all the explosiveness of fireworks.

But Kasey wants something Skyler isn't prepared to give. Perhaps they can find a way to each other's heart - if they don't burn themselves out with their nightly erotic activities.

WIN - Leave Desiree or Allie a comment or question today at their Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a free download of their EC release KIDNAPPING THE GROOM! Please leave your email address if you want in the drawning, so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Thanks to everyone who stopped by today to celebrate Erin Nicholas' release day with her! Super congrats to Ana - your name was drawn to win a free download of JUST RIGHT and JUST LIKE THAT!!! And thanks for leaving your email address, Erin will contact you soon with your prizes!

Erin has been reading romance since her mom first let her into her book cupboard when Erin was about fourteen. LaVyrle Spencer, Julie Garwood, Debbie Macomber... they took Erin's 'happily ever after' ideas from animated princesses to real people in the real world.

She's been writing romance almost as long. Many a family car trip was spent with her head bent over a spiral notebook in the back seat. She'll confess that her very first attempts at fiction were fantasy and paranormals, influenced by her father's love of the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the original Alice in Wonderland. If Harry Potter had been around, Erin's sure he would have been on the bedtime story shelf as well.

But it wasn't long until Erin started writing about true love and that's where she's been ever since.

She's so thrilled to be able to share these stories with you and hopes that they make you smile, sigh, maybe even choke up a little. Most of all, She hopes that they help you believe in magical things like first kisses, the spark of passion, and the power of true love.

Danika Steffen can take care of herself. Watching her mother slowly succumb to muscular dystrophy convinced Danika that total independence is the only way to go. Anything that needs fixing, she's got the tools. So what if she's never had an orgasm. No one really needs one, right?

Sam Bradford is good at two things: his job as a paramedic, and seducing women. Being dependable? Not so much. Losing his father at age fifteen tore a permanent hole in his life, and now he's determined never to let anyone need him that much. Enjoying women, though, is definitely on the menu. As long as they understand his unbreakable rule: one night only. Until a date with Danika Steffen ends not in her bed, but with a trip to the ER.

Danika may have a broken wrist, but Sam's the one suffering...an intense case of guilt. And instead of doing things to her, he only wants to do things for her. Which would drive her crazy if not for the sneaking suspicion that Sam needs a little TLC too. And damned if she doesn't want to be the one to give it...

Warning: Contains an I'll-do-it-myself girl who can fix anything, a commitment-phobic guy who can't fix anything, and a whole new way to look at butter. Yes, butter.

WIN - Leave Erin a comment or question today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat to win her brand new release and the first book in the trilogy JUST RIGHT. Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

What a fun cyber launch party we had yesterday!!! Thanks to all who stopped by to celebrate with Renee and thanks so much to D. Renee Bagby for being such a wonderful guest of honor!

Congrats to Carol L, Audra, and Leah - you are our three winners and you'll each get a free download of Renee's new book ERIS - thanks for leaving your email address, Renee will contact you guys soon with your prizes.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Today we are celebrating D. Renee Bagby's first erotic menage and the first book in her new Eternal Truths Series - ERIS, released by Siren-Bookstrand.

Renee is a military brat turned military wife who is currently stationed in MD with her husband and two cats.

Whether writing as D. Renee Bagby or Zenobia Renquist, she is a world-builder. She loves inventing new cultures and shaping their histories and laws because it beats researching the existing ones.

Her stories span the fantasy gamut but she dabbles in sci-fi and contemporary from time to time. While her main characters tend to be of different races, she doesn't let skin color rule or limit her stories. For her, it's all about how much she can torture her characters so they earn their happily-ever-after ending.

The rules are all new and pre-conceived notions will only slow you down, so when reading Renee's stories, she asks only one thing -- Leave Your Reality Behind.

Time is on their side and they can be together, assuming the truth doesn't ruin everything first.

Immortals born in the thirteenth century, Lucien Riordan and Ranulf Styr have waited centuries to be reunited with their love. Want for her cemented their friendship through time, even as it tore it apart. She changed their lives, made them want better, and they plan to show her that. There's only one catch - she's never met them before.

Eris Brue is flattered by Lucien and Ranulf's attention, but they are her bosses. She doesn't want to get tangled up in an office romance, especially not with two men. Their joint seduction overcomes her resolve, and she gives in even though she knows they are keeping secrets that could doom their relationship.

Centuries of planning have finally come to fruition. Lucien and Ranulf have a short amount of time to make Eris love them, because once time has her, everything could come to an end.

WIN - Since this is Renee's first Menage, she's giving away THREE copies of her new book!!!Leave Renee a comment or question today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for one of THREE free downloads of her brand new book! Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are one of today's winners.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Thanks to everyone who stopped in to celebrate with Marie Treanor - she's having a great time with so much to celebrate this year!Congrats to k sunshine1977 - you win a free download of Marie's GUITAR MAN - thanks for leaving your email address, Marie will contact you soon.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

June is turning out to be a pretty exciting month for author Marie Treanor. She has a new release in the Ellora's Cave Twilight Line titled FREEING AL, the third in her Psychic Seductions Series, and a Samhain print release of CINDERELLA UNMASKED, a book she co-wrote with author Bonnie Dee.

Big Al MacNab is in trouble. Recently out of prison, he's running his late uncle's pub in the Scottish Highlands and trying to make a success of a local music festival. But he's haunted by his own past - as well as by two persistent ghosts. Every criminal in the country wants to kill him, the police want to put him back in prison and his mother wants him to stop swearing. He doesn't need a sexy vampiress serving drinks in his pub, let alone showing him kinky new uses for the restraints in his cellar.

Draguta, a vampire in search of a cause, has come to Scotland to find her ex-lover, Karoly, who owns the Transylvanian castle she wants to turn into a vampire safe house. Biting Al releases a lot of pent-up lust that has to be assuaged. Falling in love with Al revives a compassion and humanity she no longer knows how to deal with. Worse, she knows that after helping to free Al from his problems, she has to free him from herself.

In the years since her husband King Charming boarded a pirate ship to "find himself", Queen Ella has ruled alone. Romantic love? It's a girlish emotion. These days, her only confidant is her steward, Sebastian.

Five years is a long time to forego sexual pleasures. She's the queen, after all...shouldn't she be allowed a few indulgences? A masquerade is just the ticket to find the fulfillment Charming never gave her. With Sebastian's encouragement - and a little help from a fairy godmother - Ella prepares to make some magic.The first masked stranger she dallies with gives her a taste of what she's been craving. And it's just not enough. A second ball follows. A third. Each one - and each anonymous man - sends her to new heights of sexual pleasure. And reawakens the notion that maybe, just maybe, love does not always lead to pain.

Her indiscretions have not gone unnoticed. As her stepfamily makes a move to take over the throne, Ella has nowhere to turn, no one to trust...except the men behind the masks...

Warning: This new "happily ever after" from Marie Treanor and Bonnie Dee is strictly for grown-ups!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Ahoy there me hearties - what fun I loved reading your posts and thanks so much for the jokes and other pirate fun facts....you guys rock!

The party was great and while I had hoped to post during the party....didn't quite work out that way... so sorry, but I was one busy little buccaneer, but what fun - so wish you'all could have been here.

I have three prizes left from the party, so I chose three winners from tonight's posters - you guys kept the party going!!! Virginia C, S7anna and Brenda - email me at AuthorIsland at yahoo.com with your mailing address and I'll get you out some booty!!

Thanks again for hanging out with us - I'll post some pictures next week to you you all what you missed - there were some great costumes, wait til you see!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

1. In what month is National “Talk like a Pirate” Day?May, November, or September(September 19) Started by a group of guys playing handball one day but really brought to life by an article by Dave Barry.

2. Despite her French name this pirate was born in England in 1636 and began her pirate career when she led a mutiny against a cruel captain and cut off his head.Nicole St Marie, Charlotte De Berry or Juliet Larue(Charlotte De Berry) She killed her husband and two slaves for food to keep her crew and herself from starving to death while out at sea. Blimey!

3. This notorious lady pirate was once married to a sailor in the West Indies who was an informant for Governor Woodes Rogers, turning other sailors in for piracy and reaping generous rewards for it.Anne Bonney, Mary Read or Charolette De Berry(Anne Bonney). She despised him for it and one day she met a pirate named Calico Jack in a local tavern and ran away with him to begin her own life of piracy.

4. What was the real name of the famous pirate “Blackbeard” who met his end after a battle with the British Navy in 1713?John Rackham, Edward Thatch or Samuel Bellamy(Edward Thatch aka Teach) By the way, it took five gunshot wounds and 20 stab wounds to finally do him in.

5. Which ship was Blackbeard’s head suspended from as a warning to all pirates?The Black Jewel, HMS Ranger, The SwallowHMS Ranger

6. Which of these words was used for pirates operating in the Mediterranean?Privateer, Buccaneer or Corsiar(Corsair) Corsairs preyed upon the shipping lanes of the Mediterranean. The most famous corsairs were from the Barbary Coast of North Africa.

7. Which of these words is NOT another term for pirates?Picaroons, Kapers, Swabs, Freebooters(Swabs) A swab is traditionally someone who has been assigned the duty of "swabbing" or cleaning the decks of a ship, rather frequently. All the other terms refer to the different names pirates acquired in certain regions of the world. Kapers were Dutch pirates, freebooters was an English name for pirates, and picaroons came from a Spanish word meaning "rogue

8. Many of the most notorious and feared pirates were women. The earliest of these was an Irish woman known as “Granuaille” or “The Pirate Queen” – what was her real name?Mary Read, Grace O’Mally, Anne Bonny(Grace O’Mally) She was the only daughter of a sea captain, after he died when she was a teenager; she went to sea, taking command of his ships. She fought for her rights and the rights of her countrymen.

9. One of the most famous pirates ever to sail was Captain Henry Morgan (yes, the chap on the rum bottle). He died at the age of 53. What was his fate?His crew mutinied and killed him, He was hanged or He died in his bed(He died in his bed) After a 17 year career of piracy on the Spanish Main, Moran ended his days as a respectable and wealthy planter in Jamaica.

10. Which type of pirates was commissioned by their governments to be authorized to seize and destroy merchant vessels of another nation?Raider, Privateer or Buccaneer(Privateer) Privateers were a very cheap way for governments to keep navies small and cheap.

11. The character “Jack Sparrow” in the Disney movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” is an actual historical pirate.True or False(False) The character of Jack Sparrow is strictly fictional.

12. Which of these famous historical figures was kidnapped by Cilician pirates in 75 BC?Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar or Aristotle(Julius Caesar) In 75 BC, while sailing to Rhodes, Greece; Caesar was captured. The pirates asked for a payment of 20 talents to set him free. He joked with them saying, he was worth fifty. After they freed him, he hunted them down and killed them.

13. Who was entitled to a double share of the loot and booty?Owner of the ship, Captain of the ship or the ship’s Surgeon(Captain) And sometimes the Quartermaster

14. John Rackham was an English pirate captain who was known by what nickname?Calico Jack, Peg Leg Pete, Bluebeard(Calico Jack) John Rackham was a pirate captain during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the colorful calico clothes he wore. John Rackham and his crew were executed in Jamaica. Bluebeard was another real pirate, but both Long John Silver and Peg Leg Pete are literary pirates.

15. Who disguised herself as a man in order to join John Rackham’s crew aboard the “Revenge” where she became his lover?Joan Hamilton, Anne Bonney or Grace O’Malley(Anne Bonney) Anne took part in combat alongside the male pirates and accounts describe her as competent, effective in combat and someone who gained the respect of her fellow pirates. According to legend, she once stabbed a fellow pirate through the heart when he discovered her gender.

16. Literary pirate Long John Silver had a parrot. What was its name?Polly, Pieces of Eight or Captain Flint(Captain Flint) Long John named his feathered companion after the dreaded Captain Flint, the bloodthirstiest pirate leader in all fiction.

17. A common alcoholic drink loved by pirates was a rum, water, lemon juice and sugar mixture called what?Caulker, Grog, Belay(Grog)

18. What is the pirate flag (skull and crossbones) commonly called?The Jolly Rodger, The Davy Jones, The Terrible Towel(Jolly Roger) Thought to have come from medieval Templar Knights who flew a red flag with crossbones on it. When several knights took up lives of piracy, they kept the flag and it caught on.

19. How did Red Legs Greaves get his nickname?The color of tights he favored, the way his legs would continually sunburn in the tropical sun, or because of the bright red color of the hair on his legs(Sunburn)

20. Pirates had strict rules aboard their vessels and anyone violating the rules were punished. They had many punishments aboard ship, but which of these is not believed to have been a real punishment used by pirates?Cat o’nine tails, Walking the plank, or Marooning(Walking the plank) Walking the plank is a popular pirate punishment in fiction, but there are no records of it actually being used by real pirates. If you were marooned you were left on a small island with no resources. You would be given a pistol so that you could shoot yourself. Cat o' nine tails was a type of whip. It had nine pieces of cow or horsehide that were knotted at the ends. Many men didn’t survive this lashing.

Landlubber or Old Salt? Here’s a test of how much you really know about pirates.

This is one of the games we're playing at tonight's Reader's Bash - let's see how well you do....

I’ll ask you 20 questions and give you a choice of three possible answers.

1. In what month is National “Talk like a Pirate” Day?May, November, or September

2. Despite her French name this pirate was born in England in 1636 and began her pirate career when she led a mutiny against a cruel captain and cut off his head. Nicole St Marie, Charlotte De Berry or Juliet Larue

3. This notorious lady pirate was once married to a sailor in the West Indies who was an informant for Governor Woodes Rogers, turning other sailors in for piracy and reaping generous rewards for it. Anne Bonney, Mary Read or Charolette De Berry

4. What was the real name of the famous pirate “Blackbeard” who met his end after a battle with the British Navy in 1713?John Rackham, Edward Thatch or Samuel Bellamy

5. Which ship was Blackbeard’s head suspended from as a warning to all pirates?The Black Jewel, HMS Ranger, The Swallow

6. Which of these words was used for pirates operating in the Mediterranean?Privateer, Buccaneer or Corsiar

7. Which of these words is NOT another term for pirates?Picaroons, Kapers, Swabs, Freebooters

8. Many of the most notorious and feared pirates were women. The earliest of these was an Irish woman known as “Granuaille” or “The Pirate Queen” – what was her real name?Mary Read, Grace O’Mally, Anne Bonny

9. One of the most famous pirates ever to sail was Captain Henry Morgan (yes, the chap on the rum bottle). He died at the age of 53. What was his fate?His crew mutinied and killed him, He was hanged or He died in his bed

10. Which type of pirates was commissioned by their governments to be authorized to seize and destroy merchant vessels of another nation?Raider, Privateer or Buccaneer

11. The character “Jack Sparrow” in the Disney movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” is an actual historical pirate.True or False

12. Which of these famous historical figures was kidnapped by Cilician pirates in 75 BC?Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar or Aristotle

13. Who was entitled to a double share of the loot and booty?Owner of the ship, Captain of the ship or the ship’s Surgeon

14. John Rackham was an English pirate captain who was known by what nickname?Calico Jack, Peg Leg Pete, Bluebeard

15. Who disguised herself as a man in order to join John Rackham’s crew aboard the “Revenge” where she became his lover?Joan Hamilton, Anne Bonney or Grace O’Malley

16. Literary pirate Long John Silver had a parrot. What was its name?Polly, Pieces of Eight or Captain Flint

17. A common alcoholic drink loved by pirates was a rum, water, lemon juice and sugar mixture called what?Caulker, Grog, Belay

18. What is the pirate flag (skull and crossbones) commonly called?The Jolly Rodger, The Davy Jones, The Terrible Towel

19. How did Red Legs Greaves get his nickname?The color of tights he favored, the way his legs would continually sunburn in the tropical sun, or because of the bright red color of the hair on his legs

20. Pirates had strict rules aboard their vessels and anyone violating the rules were punished. They had many punishments aboard ship, but which of these is not believed to have been a real punishment used by pirates?Cat o’nine tails, Walking the plank, or Marooning

Just because you couldn't make it to the 6th annual Lori Foster and Dianne Castell Reader and Author Get Together this weekend here in beautiful West Chester, Ohio doesn't mean you can't party down at the AuthorIsland.com 2nd annual Reader's Bash!

This year we're partying like pirates with eye patches, skull and crossbone hats and a good time will hopefull be had by all!!!

And just because you're not here with us doesn't mean you can't get in on the prizes - we have a bag full of goodies for one reader who posts to one of our posts made during tonight's party from 8pm to 11pm EST. The more you post, the better your chances....a winner will be announced after the party - so please leave your email address so we can hook up with you if you are our cyber winner!

To get you in the pirate mood....

Talking Like A Pirate

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! - exhortation of discontent or disgustAhoy! - Hello!Ahoy, Matey - Hello, my friend!Ahoy, me Hearties! - the same as saying "Hello, my friends!"Avast ye - stop and check this out or pay attentionAye - yesBatten down the hatches - put everything away on the ship and tie everything down because a storm is brewingBilge-sucking - insultBlimey! - exhortation of surpriseBlow me down! - expression of shock of disbelief akin to "Holy Crap!"Blow the man down - command to kill someoneBooty - treasureCrow's nest - small platform atop the mast where the lookout standsCutlass - short heavy curved bladed sword used by piratesDavy Jones' Locker - fabled, mythical place at the bottom of the ocean where the evil spirit of Davy Jones brings sailor and pirates to dieDead men tell no tales - phrase indicating to leave no survivorsDoubloons - other coins or found in pirate hoards and stashesFeed the fish - will soon dieHang 'im from the yardarm - punishment of those captured in battleHead - the pirate ship's toiletHeave Ho - give it some muscle and push itHempen Halter - a noose for hangingHornswaggle - to defraud or cheat out of money or belongingsJacob's Ladder - the rope ladder one uses to climb aboard a sloopJolly Roger - pirate's flag including white skull and crossbones over a black fieldKeelhaul - punishment in which a person was dragged underneath the pirate ship from side to side and was lacerated by the barnacles on the vesselLandlubber - big, slow clumsy person who doesn't know how to sailLetters of Marque - letters issue from governments during wartime to privateers endorsing the piracy of another vesselMan-O-War - pirate's ship outfitted for battleMe - myOld Salt - an experienced sailorPieces of eight - coins or found in pirate stashesPillage - rob, sack or plunderPoop deck - the part of the ship farthest to the back, which is usually above the captain's quarters. This is not the bathroom.Privateer - government-sponsored piratesRum - pirate's traditional alcoholic beverageSavvy? - do you understand and do you agree?Scallywag - mild insult akin to rapscallion or rogueScurvy dog - the pirate is talking directly to you with mild insultScuttle - to sink a shipSeadog - old pirate or sailorShark bait - will soon join Davy Jones' LockerShipshape - cleaned up and under controlShiver me timbers! - comparable to "Holy Crap!"Son of a Biscuit Eater - insult directed towards someone you don't likeThar she blows! - Whale sightingThree sheets to the wind - someone who is very drunk. One sheet is mildly drunk and four sheets is passed out.Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen! - pull up the anchor and the sail and let's get goingYe - youYo Ho Ho - cheerful exhortation to demand attention

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Nadia lives, works and writes on the West Coast in the United States. In addition to writing erotic romances, Nadia enjoys reading other authors, playing flag football, studying muay thai, working out, listening to music, scuba diving, and target shooting.

Nadia loves watching, reading about, and writing about strong, assertive heroines which is why she is an enduring fan of Fight Girls, Xena, Buffy, and La Femme Nikita!

Trent and Nia Connelly have been married for nearly a year and already their marriage is falling apart. Trent finally files for divorce when his wife continually pushes him away, denying them both what they need sexually.

Nia discovers too late what her fears and deceptions have wrought and now must fight to prove to Trent that they still have a marriage worth saving. When she offers herself, body and soul, as the obedient submissive he's always desired, Trent is forced to reevaluate everything he knows about himself, his wife and their entire marriage.

Reader Advisory: This book contains a steamy scene where the hero shares his wife with his best mate - lucky girl!

WIN - Leave Nadia a comment or question today at her Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a free download of her anthology BEDTIME STORIES. Please leave your email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner!

Thanks to all of you who stopped by to celebrate Tim Smith's new release THE SWEET DISTRACTION with him yesterday and congrats to ANNE, you win a free download of his other eXtasy books romantic comedy ANYWHERE THE HEART GOES. Thanks for leaving your email address, Tim will contact you soon with the prize!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Today we are celebrating a hot new romantic comedy from author Tim Smith and eXtasy Books called THE SWEET DISTRACTION.Tim is the author of five novels, including two contemporary romantic comedies with eXtasy Books. His first three adventure novels have won critical acclaim and several awards. He is also a freelance photographer and works in Dayton, Ohio as a case manager for adults with special needs. When he isn't devoting time to writing, you can find him in The Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Pina Colada.

George Sullivan's life is a disaster in progress. His last few books haven't sold well, he drinks too much, he sleeps around, he's in hock for a gambling debt he can't repay and he'd probably trade his last friend for a best seller. His love life isn't faring much better, due to a bad breakup that still haunts him. When his agent arranges for him to write the memoir of notorious mob boss Vito Pasquale, it's the opportunity of a lifetime and a chance to make all his dreams come true.

What George doesn't count on is falling for the Don's beautiful but spoiled daughter, Cookie. It's lust at first sight for both of them, but George resists her blatant come-ons and seduction attempts because he fears how her father might react. When Cookie begins a relentless campaign to snare him it's only a matter of time before George caves in, but what if things don't work out between them? Will he end up in the middle of Lake Erie wearing a cement overcoat for dallying with the Don's daughter? Will Vito insist on a shotgun wedding to preserve Cookie's honor? Worse yet, when George finally achieves the success he's always wanted, will it be a hollow victory if Cookie isn't there to share it with him?

WIN - Leave Tim a question or comment today at his Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a free download of his first erotic/romantic comedy ANYWHERE THE HEART GOES. Be sure to leave you email address so we can contact you if you are today's winner.

And don't forget to check out Tim's new contest over on the Contest Page at http://www.authorisland.com/ - he has a great gift bag with Italian-themed goodies and a cookbook (the female lead is Italian and owns a catering business) up for grabs.

Families come in many configurations, and every one is unique, made up of the personalities of each member. But the love that connects families is universal. Whether it is the love of parents for their children, the love between a husband and wife, the love between siblings, a love that transcends generations, or even the love for a family member never met, the family ties that bind us are the strongest and deepest emotional connections we experience. Families influence a person's development, how they treat others, and how they view life. In The Gift of Love, eight exceptional writers offer a variety of unique perspectives on what family love means and how it impacts our lives in ways profound and often surprising.

All author and agent proceeds from the sale of the book will go to benefit The Conductive Learning Center, a special school for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy.

That's what crosses Clint Evans's mind the minute he takes on the four thugs holding heiress Julie Rose hostage. It isn't the danger that has Clint in a lather, but Julie herself. The pretty, petite schoolteacher he's been hired to return to her wealthy fiance is no fainting trust-fund baby. She's more of a hellcat, one who won't be deterred when she sets her sights on something. And her sights are set on Clint.

The one rule Clint never breaks is this - don't get involved with the client. He can look, but he definitely cannot touch - even if it's driving him crazy. Keeping Julie safe until he can figure out who's behind her kidnapping means never letting her out of his sight. And the closer he sticks to the feisty, seductive woman who makes him feel alive... the harder it gets for him to ever consider letting her go.

WIN - Leave Lori or any of the authors from the new benefit anthology THE GIFT OF LOVE a comment or question today at their Cyber Launch Party and your name goes in the hat for a fun goodie bag stuffed to the top with goodies I am going to bring home from Lori Foster and Dianne Castell's Reader and Author Get Together this weekend!!! Please leave your email address so I can email you if you are today's winner.

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